School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-Lewis's effort to elucidate the life and times of Michelangelo through original sonnets is not entirely successful. This adulatory tribute encompasses the artist's birth and death, apprenticeship to Ghirlandaio, relationship to the Medici family and assorted popes and cardinals, major works, and love poems to two friends: one male, one female. The format is too brief to present much information, so sidebars-which block some of the art and prove redundant-attempt to fill the gaps. Most teens will not have the patience to work through the iambic pentameter, and considering the opacity of some of the references, comprehension will be compromised. While much of the art is handsomely reproduced, other pages suffer from lack of focus or poor color editing. Images are identified with a phrase, but novices will not know which art is actually by Michelangelo unless they search the fine print on the copyright page. A penetrating portrait by Etienne Delessert graces the cover, and a brief bibliography completes the volume. Several of Michelangelo's own poems and letters appear in Adele Richardson's Michelangelo (Creative Co., 2006); it has a stronger narrative and design, reference aids, and crisp illustrations. In both volumes, however, some Sistine Chapel details are devoid of their post-restoration vibrancy, depriving viewers of Michelangelo's marvelous palette.-Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

ALA Booklist (Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2007)

There are many biographies of Michelangelo, but this impressionistic one combines poetry, art, and information. The handsomely designed book provides a showcase for Lewis' poems and the artist's paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Moving in mostly chronological fashion, Lewis pairs a paragraph or so of information with poetry that illuminates the facts. For instance, a gorgeously reproduced photo of  Michelangelo's sculpture The Pietá faces a page that tells when and why it was created, and then this: "Beauty, restraint and classic harmony. / Like breath distilled from stone, perfectly framed / By Michelangelo in sculptured space, / Christ seems to seek his mother's sure embrace." There's one confusing element. Not all of the art included was done by Michelangelo, a fact that may go over the heads of  some readers. Photo credits, with page numbers, do appear at the front of the book, but the typeface is small and at times confusing. Even so, the book will lead young people to more about the artist, and the short bibliography will point the way.

Horn Book (Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2008)

The first half of this guide introduces readers to the basic physiology of sharks and how they live. What follows is a look at specific types of sharks and their particular habitats and activities. Each double-page spread includes a paragraph of main text and large central illustration. While sidebars provide some structure, the information can otherwise be scattered. Glos., ind.

Voice of Youth Advocates

Michelangelo was among the world's most famous artists of sculpture, painting, and architecture. He also penned hundreds of poems and sonnets. This homage in sonnets to Michelangelo speaks of his childhood, his works, and the people who influenced his life. His apprenticeship in painting landed him an invitation to live with Lorenzo de' Medici in his family palace where Michelangelo established notoriety as a sculptor. He would later create one of the greatest artistic masterpieces when commissioned by the pope to paint the Sistine Chapel. There were many obstacles faced by Michelangelo in painting the chapel. Sonnets describe the weather conditions and the toll to Michelangelo's well being and also touch on the creation of his other notable works, from the sculptures David and Moses to the architecture of St. Peter's Basilica. A tribute to the artistry of Michelangelo, this book is a depiction of his illustrious life through Lewis's poetry. The language of the poetry, however, is stagnant, with little creativity to hold reader attention. Sidebars reiterate each sonnet's content into factual detail, but the information is sparingly brief and can not be used for extensive research. With its elaborate illustrations of artwork and drawings, at first glance this book appears to be written for children, but the language and content is more suitable for high school readers. Most readers would skim the facts, finding some interest in the illustrations, but the images are better seen in an art book on Michelangelo's works. The rich detailed pictures are the only noteworthy portion of the book.-Laura Panter.